Former Delta state governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori last week played his part as the undisputed leader of the Niger Delta region by reconciling two prominent sons of the land, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state and former Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike.
Despite belonging to the same political family, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both Wike and Diri have engaged in a bitter feud over the demolition of a property belonging to the Bayelsa state government which was located at Akasa Street in Old Government Residential Area of Port Harcourt.
Although Wike blamed alleged leadership failure on the part of Bayelsa State for the demolition, Diri claimed that the action of the then Rivers governor was politically motivated.
While Diri supported the presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general elections, Wike who lost the presidential primary to Atiku backed President Bola Tinubu in the poll.
However, last week, Ibori who is passionate about peace and development in the Niger Delta region, hosted both men to a peace meeting which was held behind closed doors.
In a post on his official Twitter handle @JamesIbori6, the former Delta state governor tweeted “It was a pleasure to host two of my younger brothers, Governor Wike & Governor Diri today in Abuja. Unity in the Niger Delta is the key to peace and stability in the region”.
Speaking on the development, Francis Samuel, a public affairs analyst from Bayelsa state commended Ibori for the initiative, saying all hands must be on deck to achieve peace and unity in the region.
“This really gladdens my heart, seeing Wike and Diri together. Once again, Ibori has proven to us why he is the Governor-General of the Niger Delta region. He is a lover of peace who is passionate about the unity and development of our region”.
Another twitter user, Kenny @imaraoo tweeted “James Ibori is widely loved by his people. Across the ethnic groups of his state. This is recorded in the work he did for his people. There is yet a governor who could match his record of achievement since he left office.”
Also commenting on the picture, Bigha Pere Bryan wrote “The original paddle of the Niger Delta… Thank you very much sir, for your relentless efforts in building the region. God bless you sir”.
Another Twitter user, Richardson@kurrency001 tweeted “Chief Ibori remains the best governor Delta state ever had. Only those who have stay in Delta can attest to that”.
Also in his tweet, Edekpo Oyibo Michael wrote “We are proud of you Sir, Your Excellency. Best governor Delta ever had, God bless you uncle. The Akadoro family in Mosogar, is always proud, to have such a great son. May God bless all your efforts in life”.
